Expect Atlanta United to hire Youth Academy Director in early 2016

One of the most important staffing positions left to fill for Atlanta United FC is its Youth Academy Director. The position will be vital to the club's huge aspirations for its youth development. The person who is hired for this role will work directly underneath the club's Technical Director, Carlos Bocanegra, and run the day-to-day operations of the Youth Academy.

The club's President, Darren Eales, spoke with the AJC's Doug Roberson about filling the position very early this year for several different reasons. There are still many roles left to fill such as coaching staffs for five different age groups of the Academy and sport science specialists.

This year should be a incredibly active year for the club as a whole, but the main spotlight will be shined on the Academy as it is scheduled to launch in August. In just eight months time an Atlanta United branded team will be competing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

Eales states that the requirements for the role are simply an experience background in molding youth and being a good educator of young minds.

"I want a proven track record in developing players. I'd like someone who is strong as a c coach/educator, strong coaching background because they will be coaching our coaches.

As I've said, this will be a beacon for other youth clubs in the area to learn from. We want to drive the standard of coaching in the whole state."

-Darren Eales; Source: AJC

The club have been working closely with already-existing local youth academies. Relationships formed in the process could be a clue as to candidates they are considering.

Whoever Atlanta United decide on will have one of the most important tasks in the entire organization. If the club truly wants to have a world class Youth Academy, it all starts at the top with its Director.